Hey all just need some tips on how diagnois a 2003 dodge diesel no start condition

on friday our delivery truck died on the road(had to get her toed in)any other time it done this it was always the fuel pump right up on the engine,but we sawped out the old pump and put in the fuel tank and pump from an 04 diesel,haven't had any problems til now. I don't belive it's the pump this time because I can hear it running. any thoughts or advice will be greatly welcomed. Truck is a 2500 dodge 5.9L diesel two wheel peel

The truck has really been a good truck it's got over 500,000k on it and still going strong until friday..

 

Well you should check your fuel filter has that been replaced anytime soon..
check your grounds drivers side inner wheel well and on batteries
do You have no gauges or anything to tell you pressures do you?
any check engine light on or anything?

 

no the fuel filter has kinda been neglected for a few months,the truck gets 2500k put on it a week so it could be pluged that will be the very first thing I check though. the other stuff i will have to let you know on tuesday night. for now I was trying to find out the most info I could before I get to work on tuesday.
so anymore possible causes would be greatly appreciated.

 

It was just the fuel filter pluged tomorrow will be the real test though it will be on the road all day. 53000km since last new one put in going to replace every 20000km from now on.

 

Put a fuel pressure gauge on it, and change the filter when it starts losing pressure.

 

where is the fuel pressure test port located , I took a quick look for one but did not see one is it on the filter housing?
what kind of pressures are in the system is it just lift pump pressure?

ps. the truck ran all day today no problems.

 

You will need one of these http://www.dieselmanor.com/dm_products/DM-DBBLT.asp you don't have to buy it there. Best to get a kit that includes it, and everything else. You will also need a "snubber" to prevent the pressure spikes that kill the gauge.

 

Thanks for the link and the info, I think I can make one of those from the collection of stuff in my junk drawer and I have a gyliseren filled pressure gauge wondering if that will smooth out the spikes.

Thanks again.

 

You can make a snubber from a needle valve. Just put it inline, and barely crack it open until it reads the pressure. That will prevent the pressure spikes.
Some guys use grease gun hose for the pressure lines. I've broken enough grease hoses to not believe in them for that, a brake hose would be a better idea. Speed shops have them, in nice braided steel, and varying sizes.
I congratulate you on your DIY attitude.

 

Hey thanks for all the help! just want to confirm one thing thou are we talking about lift pump pressure or pressure from the high pressure pump (driven by the timing gears) to the common rail.

ps. racer9 I have a little confession to make I am a mechanic just not too familiar with the new style diesel engines I left the ford dealership in the year 2000 and never really had a lot to do with the newer electronic diesels until now, I work for a large autowrecker now and remove parts and service are delivery trucks. still really appreciate the help.